Mara Hoffman debuted her 2013 swim collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Miami last Saturday. The models were outfitted in Hoffman's vibrantly printed duds with faux tattoos (created by the designer) going down their legs and Frye shoes on their feet. When it came to beauty, Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen was applied on their bodies, Nick Irwin for Catwalk by TIGI took care of their locks, and Lottie for Make Up For Ever made up their faces. ELLE chatted with Hoffman about the haute suits, her personal tips for getting beach-ready, and if she would ever sell those chic tattoos.

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ELLE: What inspired your swimwear collection?

Mara Hoffman: Desert-outlaw gypsies, but with a beachy vibe.

ELLE: Which looks were some of your favorites?

MH: I love the beaded pieces, like the sheer-chiffon [ones] with beads at the end, the bikinis, and the maxi dresses. Obviously I love all of the prints, but those are the pieces I am excited to wear. They feel like they are part of my wardrobe.

ELLE: Where would you wear them?

MH: I would wear the maxi dress everywhere, not just to the beach. I see the sheer pieces working for beaches, poolside, or even over something else out to dinner.

ELLE: Why did you partner with Hawaiian Tropic?

MH: The Silk Hydration Lotion is a great two-for-one product. It gives you great sun protection while moisturizing and hydrating. For me, that is what I look for when it comes to skin care. I have such a connection to Hawaiian Tropics; the smell of the lotion is such a staple in my memory as a go-to for sun protection.

ELLE: What are your fashion and beauty beach bag essentials?

MH: Sunscreen is number one. I love huge sarongs and scarves that are multifunctional. I wrap them around my head turban-style, lie on them, or even wrap up my baby. I also carry tons of water and lip balm.

ELLE: Do you have any summer hair tricks?

MH: Sometimes I coat my hair with conditioner when I sit in the sun. It works like a deep conditioner. My favorite brand is Kérastase.

ELLE: Would you say a sarong is your ideal cover-up?

MH: I like sarongs, but the pieces in my collection I like are most are the mini ponchos. When I am going to the beach or anywhere else, I throw them on because it won't look like a cover-up, but it has the comfort and functionality of one.

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ELLE: You are a print master. What is your advice for choosing flattering prints to wear on bathing suits?

MH: Start with color. Understand what colors look best with your skin tone and hair color. Lighter palettes are better worn deeper into the season if you are someone who gets tan. We specialize in placement prints. We specifically place certain prints on the bottom and others on the top. It's also about feeling comfy with how bold you'd like to go. It takes more risk to wear something bold on a full dress than a swimsuit. Swim is an opportunity to go wild because you are committing to a lot less fabric [laughs]."

ELLE: Why did your models wear temporary tattoos on the runway?

MH: I got feathers tattooed down the backs of my 10 or 11 years ago, and I put [fake] ones on the girls. I've always had a little fantasy about essentially signing each of the girls and bringing myself into the collection. What better time to do it than a swim show? It was a way to give them all a part of me and what my body looks like. It makes it more of a personal statement. I love these tattoos so much. I know this is kooky, but when I see the backs of women's calves, I visualize feathers on their legs. It's why I got them in the first place. I had a vision of feathers. They had to be there.

ELLE: Would you ever sell the tattoos?

MH: Maybe. Mara Hoffman temporary tattoos would be cute. I got a little panicky, and thought, what if people actually get these tattoos or they show up in a catalog? They are so personal to me. I don't want other people to get them. But then I let it go, and it's like, meh. Who cares? I would love to do a sheet of temporary tattoos featuring different symbols that always pop up in our prints, like the all-encompassing eye and the feathers. We should; it's a good idea.

Want to hear more from Hoffman? She discusses the best accessories to pair with bathing suits and her favorite trends from the Miami Fashion Week in the video, below.

Then, enjoy her entire swim 2013 collection in this runway video of her show.